Two companies have moved into a restored former potbank building which is part of a major creative and digital hub in the heart of Stoke.
Networking, IT and webhosting firm NGL Technology and video content and production business ATom Productions have opened offices at Carlton House, on Copeland Street – formerly the Carlton Works ceramics factory.
The move has brought 10 jobs into the town with room for further expansion.
It follows hot on the heels of engineering repairs company Fletcher Moorland taking over another section of the renovated building as part of an expansion of its Elenora Street Factory – a move which will create 15 jobs.
NGL were previously based at Vale Park but made the move as part of expansion plans.
NGL Partner Neil Gaskell said: “We love it here and already feel settled. It’s easier for clients to reach us, should they need to visit.
“The self-contained office offers plenty of room to expand further and take on more staff and we are already recruiting.”
Tom Karklins of ATom Productions added: “We are excited to be moving into the newly refurbished space, which will allow the business to continue growing through the use of a green screen studio next door. This opens up new possibilities and allows creativity to be at the forefront.”
Carlton House is owned by the Dog and Bone Group, which is also behind the Potbank scheme based at the nearby Spode Works – a mixed-used development featuring a hotel, restaurant, event spaces and studios occupied by digital and creative businesses.
The Group has invested more than £7.5 million in Stoke since 2012 and is currently using a Government Growing Places Fund loan – provided through Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire LEP – to help complete the final phases of expansion work at the Potbank.
This includes improved disabled access, a direct link between the Potbank and Spode Museum and expanded events and kitchen space for the Quarter restaurant and Factory Floor venue.
Both Carlton House and the Spode Works are seen as focal points for Createch – a cluster of media, technology and creative businesses emerging around Stoke town.
They include award-winning international advertising agency VCCP, Carse Waterman, Popcorn Learning and creative agency i-creation.
In total the group comprises around 30 different organisations employing more than 150 people.
